Library Programs
The Harvard Public Library will host the following programs. Register by calling 978-456-4114. For children or young adult events, call the children’s librarian at 978-456-2381. (www.harvardpublicli brary.org)
Infant Storytime: Infants to 2-year-olds (older siblings welcome), Mondays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Teen Book Groups: Grades 7 to 9, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 4:30 p.m.; grades 10 to 12, Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 4:30 p.m.
Origami with Michael LaFosse: Wednesday, Dec. 2, ages 6 to 12 at 12:30 p.m.; grades 6 through adult at 1:45 p.m. Pre-registration required; call 978-456-2381.
Movie for Bromfield students, rated PG-13: Thursday, Dec. 3, at 2:45 p.m.
Game hour, grades 3 to 6: Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Drop-in, facilitated by teen volunteers.
Family Movie Night, rated PG, all ages: Friday, Dec. 4, at 6:30 p.m. This Claymation film is about a sheep. Popcorn and water will be served. Pre-registration is required; call 978-456-2381.
Fruitlands Trail Walk
Explore nature in late autumn in this hour-long ramble on Sunday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m. at Fruitlands Museum. Interpreters will lead participants in a guided walk along Fruitlands’ most notable features—archaeological sites, scenic vistas of the Nashua River Valley, and a thriving forest. This walk covers a mile of varied terrain and is considered moderately easy. Trail shoes, walking stick, and warm hats are recommended.
Garden Club, ‘East meets West’
The Garden Club of Harvard welcomes the public to its November meeting, “East meets West,” on Monday, Nov. 30, at Holy Trinity Parish. Three expert arrangers will demonstrate contrasting floral design philosophies and techniques. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. followed by a brief business meeting and the presentation. New members welcome.
Happenings at the General Store
The Harvard General Store will host the following events. (www.harvardgen eralstore.com)
Friday, Dec. 4, 8 p.m. – Bare Hill Band Pub Night
Saturday, Dec. 5 – Jeffrey Gaines Pub Night, doors open 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. – Bruce Marshall Pub Night
Saturday, Dec. 12, 4 to 7 p.m. – Gilbert Wine Tasting
‘Les Miserables’ at Cronin Auditorium
The Bromfield Drama Society, directed by Martha Brooks, will present three performances of the musical “Les Miserables” at Cronin Auditorium: Friday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m.
Lunch with Santa
Santa Claus will receive guests, both naughty and nice, at two lunch seatings Saturday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m. and noon, at the Congregational Church. Tickets are $7.
Harvard Pro Musica presents JS Bach’s ‘Christmas Oratorio’
A choir of local youth and professional musicians from Boston will join the Harvard Pro Musica regional chorus to begin the holiday season with JS Bach’s classic “Christmas Oratorio.” The concert will be presented at the Harvard Unitarian Church Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. and at St. John the Evangelist Church in Clinton Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. A 14-piece orchestra of strings, winds, brass, and timpani, as well as accomplished soloists from Boston music institutions, will accompany the chorus. The concert will also include “In Dulci Jubilo” by Buxtehude. Former Vienna Boys Choirmaster Andy Icochea Icochea will conduct..
Family Singalong
in Volunteers Hall
On Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. Harvard Friends of the Arts will host an evening of singalong fun, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the movie version of the story of an aspiring nun who is sent to care for the seven children of an Austrian naval captain.
Come to Volunteers Hall and sing along with Maria, Captain von Trapp, Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl … and Harvard friends. Prizes will be awarded for original costumes! The event is free. Donations to support the Friends of the Arts programs are appreciated.
December Concert at the Healing Garden
Enjoy an afternoon of flute music on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. Harmonie Transverse, an extensive flute choir, returns to the Healing Garden to perform a variety of musical compositions under the direction of Jay Kast-Tuttle. Members of Harmonie have performed with the New England Conservatory in concert tours in France, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and Slovakia, as well as performing at several National Flute Conventions. 145 Bolton Road. Admission $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. www.healinggarden.net to register or learn more.
Holiday Crafting Fair
The Evergreen Garden Play School will hold a crafting fair, including puppet shows, at noon and 2 p.m., on Sunday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m at the school, 270 Barnum Road, Devens.
Parker School Info Sessions
The Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School will host additional information sessions for prospective students and their families on Monday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m, and Thursday, Dec. 10, 8:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., 49 Antietam Street, Devens. Parker is a regional charter public school serving grades 7 to 12. To register to attend a session, call 978-772-3293. (www.theparkerschool.org)
Fort Devens Museum Book Group Discussion
There’s room for more participants in the new Fort Devens Museum reading group. It’s a chance to learn more about U.S. and military history with an emphasis on military matters. As their second selection, group members will read “Citizen Soldiers” by Stephen E. Ambrose. The book relates the saga of American soldiers as they fought their way with the Allied forces from Normandy across the European continent to defeat Germany during World War II. The group will meet on Friday, Dec. 4, at noon. If you plan to attend, please call 978-772-1286 or email info@fortdevensmuseum.org. The museum is located on the third floor of 94 Jackson Road, Devens.
In-town Save the Date
Saturday, Dec. 12, Fruitlands Museum Store Open House
Sunday, Dec. 13, 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Ecumenical Christmas Pageant at Unitarian Church
Friday, Dec. 18, Classic wine tasting 5 to 6 p.m. at the General Store
Saturday, Dec. 19, Fruitlands winter walk, 1 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19, Charles Oliver wine tasting, 4 to 7 p.m. at the General Store
Sunday, Dec. 20, 5 p.m, Messiah Sing at Unitarian Church
Sunday, Dec. 20, Christmas bird count in Harvard, Ayer, and Shirley, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 1, Annual New Year’s Day Hike at the Oxbow Refuge, noon to 2 p.m.
Out-of-Town
Events
Concerts at the Bull Run
Nov. 25: Five Cents Extra Reunion
Nov. 27: Johnny A
Nov. 28: The Stompers
Dec. 3: Bob Marley, comedy
Dec. 4: Wanda Jackson
Dec. 5: Bill Kirchen’s Honky-Tonk Holiday with Special Guest Commander Cody
Dec. 5: The Kennedys Holiday Show
Dec. 6: Five O’Clock Shadow
Tickets are available at tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com.
Make Your Own
Advent Wreath
Come to St. Matthew’s Church, 435 Central Street, Acton, Sunday, Nov. 29, at 9:15 a.m. for music, story, crafts and the making of Advent wreaths to take home. Make a traditional wreath (basic materials provided) or a toddler-friendly version (materials provided). Or bring mason jars, flower pots, or other types of containers to make variations. For more information, visit www.saint-matthews.org.
Nashua River Watershed Association Online Auction
Join the fun of the Nashua River Watershed Association’s 2015 Holiday Online Auction at www.BiddingforGood.com/NashuaRiverWatershed. The online auction runs through Friday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. Proceeds support NRWA programs to protect our water, land, and communities. For a closer look at items, stop by the Holiday Auction Open House Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the NRWA River Resource Center at 592 Main Street, Groton. You can try on clothing items, take a close-up look at jewelry, or have a walk around that kayak you’re bidding on.
Christmas Pops Family Concert in Lancaster
The Atlantic Wind Symphony Christmas Pops Family Concert will be held, Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m., at the Thayer Performing Arts Center in South Lancaster.
Fundraising Breakfast
The Ayer Masonic Association will hold its monthly fundraising breakfast Sunday, Dec. 6, at the Ayer Masonic Center, 11 Sculley Road, Ayer. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 10 a.m.
River’s Edge Nutcracker Tea Party
The Nutcracker Tea Party is a one-hour, family-friendly, narrated production performed by the MetroWest Ballet. The event is hosted by the River’s Edge Arts Alliance at Hudson Town Hall, Sunday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m.
BSO Oboist John Ferrillo Performs with Concord Band
The Concord Band is honored to have Harvard resident John Ferrillo, principal oboe of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as its soloist for its Holiday Pops concerts Dec. 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. at 51 Walden St., Concord. Tickets are available in tables for four (with a few for six on the stage) at $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Tickets can be ordered at 978-897-9969 and at reservations@concord band.org.
Out-of-town Save the Date
Saturday, Dec. 12, River’s Edge Holiday Concert at Hudson High School at 3 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 12, River’s Edge Holiday Shoppe at Holiday Concert at Hudson High School, 2 to 3 p.m. and during intermission
Saturday, Dec. 12, Pancake Breakfast with Santa at 11 Sculley Rd (off West Main St.), Ayer, 9 to noon
